The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, or Toller, is a gorgeous, active dog that’s almost too photogenic for words. Have you had a chance to meet this up-and-coming rare breed from Canada? Prepare to fall head over heels for this bright, loyal dog.
Meet the duck tolling retriever
The breed arrived in Britain as recently as 1988, and these sporting dogs are gaining in popularity around the world with active families who want a companion who can hunt, hike, or perform in high-energy canine sports like dock diving or agility. On the other hand, a duck tolling retriever without a job is going to make your life pretty hectic finding his own “jobs” to do. So, if you’re looking for a Netflix binge buddy, breed enthusiasts recommend adopting a older dog or looking elsewhere.
Averaging just under 18kg (40lbs), this medium-size dog comes exclusively in shades of red and orange, from a soft, golden retriever-esque cream to a rich, Irish setter mahogany, with splashes of white on face and feet. A fluffy double coat keeps the Toller dry when swimming, warm in the winter, and will leave little orange fluff clouds of love around your house year-round.
Where do ‘Tollers’ come from?
“Tolling” is the art of luring ducks to shore for the huntsman to shoot. When establishing the breed in the early 1800s, hunters in Nova Scotia were inspired by red foxes, who are known for luring waterfowl to shore. They used a number of breeds to found the duck tolling retriever, including hunting spaniels and setters, the St John’s water dog (ancestor of both the Newfoundland and Labrador retriever), and the Dutch Kooikerhondje, a rare hunting breed.
Now that you’ve done your homework, let’s take a look at some of these gorgeous dogs. These photos and videos highlight some of the greatest Toller traits.
Smart
Beautiful
Immune to the cold
Super trainable
They’re all gorgeous redheads
Soooo much energy
Perfect outdoor adventure partner
Featured image: Woofipedia
